The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. Philippians 4:9 AMP
The Context and Focus:
This is the conclusion of the letter Paul and Timothy had written to the church in Phiippi, charging them on various topical Christian issues. This chapter starts with a charge to specifically named people, asking that they work together to spread the gospel of Jesus, and support all who faithfully do the work of the ministry. It has to be stated that as human beings on this side of eternity, we will not always agree on scope, depth or experience, but can never be in doubt must be the commitment to the assignment to make Jesus known to the world. We may differ on processes and procedures, but we cannot differ on the principles upon which the Word of God is based, and the person we are called to represent. Paul understood this truth, and that is why he could promote the power of personal responsibility and accountability to all who knew him. Timothy was one of such people, and by the power of personal example, Paul was able to show Timothy how to live. Is there anyone in my immediate circle who needs such examples?
The Message:
Paul must have been quite confident in the Lord that his personal life had God's approval, and he could use the lessons God taught him to encourage others on how to live. He told his audience, as laid out in the verse above, that 'the things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these'. That is confidence, not necessarily in his own ability, but in the work of God done in him. When God is working on and in a man, that man's pursuits and priorities will be different from those of a man who is not surrendered to God. People may have thought that Paul was mad, but he knew his mission as laid out by God, and he made it a daily priority to work towards fulfilling that mission. The same thing applies to us in this present generation: we cannot afford to keep making excuses for not working for God. We seem to be slowly raising people who seem not too concerned about positive impact and influence, but would rather take in whatever is popular and generally accepted.
The Conclusion:
Of course, the things that are wrong and sinful are popular to this generation, but where are the examples that are worthy of emulation? Where are the people who know and do the Truth? Paul could lay out his words, actions, and reactions as examples that his audience could practice, because he was sure that they had been vetted and approved by God as right. Can I dare say such a thing to anyone? Paul was mortal like all of us here on earth now, and if God's grace made it possible for a man to say such words, the same God of grace then, is still the same God today, and He is able to supply all that I need for life and Godliness. I just need to make a daily commitment to living right. Grace makes this possible, and there is a peace that only God can supply as I daily depend on Him for that supply. Remember, daily practice rests on daily dependence on grace, and then leads to daily peace. I must not rely on my own power or wisdom. The world lacks direction, and is looking for the right examples to copy. Is my life one of such examples that can be put forward as evidence of God's enablement? God counts on us. God's time of favour is here.
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